The Deputy Director General of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) Col Emmy Katabazi, has expressed his disappointment with district officials in the West Nile region, particularly those bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan, who have been implicated in smuggling activities.
During a three-day capacity-building workshop held at the White Castle Hotel in Arua City, Col Katabazi criticized the district based security officials for their suspected involvement in abetting smuggling.
“I am unhappy with the security officials, especially in the West Nile region. How can you be the superintendents of smuggling? How do you think your salaries will be paid if you are disrupting revenue collection?”he questioned.
The workshop, held from May 22, 2024, to May 24, 2024, was attended by Regional District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Deputy RDCs, and Regional ISO officials from over 10 districts in the West Nile region.
Office of the President concerned about diminishing integrity of RDCs
One of the key speakers at the workshop, Sister Grace Akuror from the RDC’s secretariat at the Office of the President highlighted concerns about the diminishing integrity of the RDCs, who are supposed to represent the president at the district or city level.
“The picture of the RDCs is very negative in the public eye. You have started taking sides and have made the people retreat. As a person of integrity, the RDC must be seen as a reliable solution to the woes of the community. You cannot be seen going around kicking people and getting involved in inappropriate activities,” said Sister Grace Akuror.
In his address, Col Katabazi reminded the RDCs of their role as torchbearers of the President and the government’s image. He urged them to refrain from engaging in cheap politics and personal differences that hinder their performance.
“Personal differences between the RDCs, DISOs, and other officials that hinder performance at the district depict the highest form of ideological shallowness,” added Col Katabazi.
Col. Katabazi calls on RDCs to actively support and monitor PDM
In addition to promoting government programs, Col Katabazi strongly encouraged district leaders to familiarize themselves with the Parish Development Model (PDM) and its seven pillars. He emphasized that ISO has developed a computer program to monitor and evaluate the progress of the PDM nationwide.
“PDM is the daily work you people do, and it is not complex. The pillars of mobilization and mindset change in the PDM must be led by the RDCs. Therefore, go read and understand this program because you cannot mobilize people on something that you don’t understand,” Col Katabazi stressed.
The workshop participants received training in management skills, monitoring and evaluation, security measures, improving the RDCs’ image, and the terms and conditions of their service.
Col Katabazi’s strong words and commitment to cracking down on district officials involved in smuggling serve as a warning to those who have exploited their positions for personal gain. The workshop aimed to instill a sense of integrity, responsibility, and knowledge among the district leaders, with the hope of improving overall governance and promoting government initiatives in the West Nile region.
